September 25, 2018 Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM. There were 46 souls present.

Officer Mike Keaney gave his crime report for the last month. The most important was a man who claimed to have been hot at O’Brien’s Market (corner of Dot Ave & Centre St), but there was no sign of a shooting there. However, blood was found inside of a nearby house at 1677 Dot Ave. Mike noted that 50-60% of car breaks are to cars that are unlocked! That’s right U-N-L-O-C-K-E-D. He reiterated that you should not leave valuables in your car… including change. A bag of heroin costs about the same as a 6-pack of beer. Lock your cars. There was concern expressed by some members about a problem with police detail coverage at an event the previous Sunday in Ashmont where C-11 was supposed to provide a police detail, but they didn’t show up. Efforts to resolve the problem were fruitless. Officer Keaney told the people to contact C11 and notify the Captain to get clarity on the procedure before the next meeting.

SMACA Development Committee Matt Glynn gave a committee update of events over the summer. The petitioner at 93 Lonsdale Street whose house had fire damaged wanted to extend the dormer. It was approved unanimously. The committee also voted to approve a request at 70 Brent Street to extend their dormers and rear deck. Matt noted that the committee worked with the owners of 20 Dix Street to modify their plans to remove a shed and created space for 6 parking spaces. Pending items include 80-88 Wells Ave., 64 Shepton St. (enclose porch), 123-125 Centre Street (propose 9 townhouses), and Clementine Park (curb cut).

Treasurer Jim Rodenmacher have his Treasure’s report. He said that going forward he would email the report to the whole membership, so that those who are not at the meeting will know our financial status.

Representatives from both sides of the Ballot 1 question regarding nurse staffing presented their points of view. After each side gave a 10 minute presentation they answered questions from the membership. Board member Jacquie Bishop read a description of Ballot questions2 spoke about Ballot question 3.

Board member Amy Linne spoke about “Boston Blooms”, a program to plant daffodils in the neighborhood. She is soliciting volunteers to help beautify the area. Contact her at amylinne@gmail.com.

The St. Marks Area Civic Association is a group of community conscious residents who want to improve the quality of life in our section of Dorchester. We meet in the lower hall of St, Marks Church, at 1725 Dorchester Ave on the last Tuesday of each month